Ekiti: How APC Aspirants Stalled Their Disqualification

By Ayodele Oni

Following a stalemate which was occasioned by the dropping of some aspirants for Ekiti State House of Assembly, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the State has reversed its earlier stand disqualifying 17 aspirants.

The aspirants, seeking the House of Assembly tickets to contest the 2023 polls in the state on the ticket of APC, were disqualified last week by a Committee set up to interview them.

The Committee had disqualified 17 aspirants, some of whom were sitting members of the State Assembly from contesting during the primary election slated for later this week.

Sensing that their political future was being mortgaged, the affected aspirants mobilized their supporters who staged a peaceful protest at the State Secretariat of APC in Ado Ekiti.

The aspirants were later re- invited for fresh screening and cleared to participate in the primary by the House of Assembly Appeal Panel.

It was gathered that the Appeal Panel found out that some of the aspirants were disqualified by the screening Committee over “untenable and flimsy excuses.”

A statement by the Screening Committee member, Dele Akinleye, confirmed their disqualifications, but gave no reason for the action.

Another allegation against those disqualified was that they refused to fill a section of the nomination form indicating their withdrawal from the race even, when no primary had been held.

Some serving lawmakers and aspirants cleared for reelection include: Deputy Speaker, Hakeem Jamiu, (Irepodun/Ifelodun 2), Yemisi Ayokunle(Ekiti South West 2), Adeoye Aribasoye(Ikole 2), Teju Okunnuga(Gbonyin constituency), Lateef Akanle(Ekiti East 2), Adeoye Oyekola(Ekiti West 2), among others.

Tension rose at the JKF centre, Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti, the screening venue, on Friday, as the aggrieved aspirants massed and threatened to protest against the party and subsequently take legal action individually to challenge their disqualifications.

Some of the aspirants alleged that they were disqualified to give way for the return of some incumbent lawmakers seeking reelection, which they described as undemocratic.

Sensing that the legal backlash may portend danger to the party, as primary conducted under that “shoddy” exercise might be annulled, a powerful government official, was said to have stepped in and gave legal advice that their former action must be rescinded.

The official was said to have overtly submitted that all the reasons adduced as responsible for the aspirants’ disqualifications were flimsy and couldn’t stand legal scrutiny.

An unsigned statement by the party, said: “It has been resolved that every aspirant is now cleared and should go to the field in preparation for the coming primaries, which in extant, is scheduled to hold on Friday 27th May 2022.

“Further briefing will be duly communicated. May the best emerge to represent our party, APC, in the general election.”

When called to ascertain the authenticity of the statement, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe said: “The statement was genuine. All the aspirants have been told to prepare for primary.”

Some of the affected assembly aspirants have applauded the party for the decision saying that allowing all aspirants to participate will lend credence to the fact that APC is truly democratic.

“APC is a party of peace and love and this decision has confirmed that.

“But we appeal to the national leadership to as a matter of fact protect us further by ensuring that the primary is conducted in line with the provisions of the law.

“I am a loyal party man with huge respect for the leadership. If I lose at the primary, that won’t stop me from supporting whoever the party picks.”